What can you do with a psychology degree?

If you're captivated by the complexities of the human mind and wondering what you can do with a psychology degree, the possibilities might surprise you.

Psychology degrees don't just open doors to specialised fields like forensic and organisational psychology. They also pave the way for a wide range of careers beyond traditional psychology roles, equipping you with versatile, highly valuable skills.

According to Labour Market Insights, roles for psychology graduates are projected to grow by 13.3 per cent during the period from 2021 to 2026. As a result of the rapidly evolving socio-cultural, economic, and technological landscapes, expertise in human behaviour is increasingly in demand across sectors such as marketing, human resources, education and beyond.

Associate Professor Kerry McBain is the Head of Psychology and immediate past Academic Head of Psychology at James Cook University (JCU) Online, which offers industry-leading psychology degrees such as a Graduate Diploma of Psychology Online (Bridging) and Graduate Certificate of Psychology Online. She emphasises the diverse potential of a psychology degree.

“Not everyone is driven by the desire to treat people directly. But if that’s not your path, your options with a psychology degree are still extraordinary,” Associate Professor McBain explains.

“I always say, if you dare to dream, a psychology degree can take you there. Think outside the square and it can help you achieve your goals.”

So, what opportunities lay waiting outside the square? In this article, we’ll outline a sample of the many human-centred professions a psychology degree can lead you to, as well as popular career paths within the field of psychology.

Ready to dare to dream? Let’s dive in.

Step into a psychology career

If you’re passionate about understanding the human mind and eager to help others, a postgraduate degree in psychology is a powerful way to get there. Psychology roles can span many fields, from mental health to corporate environments and beyond. 

Here are some of the most popular psychology-based career pathways.

General psychology

General psychologists help clients navigate challenging situations, often working one-on-one to manage mental health conditions, address life transitions or improve overall wellbeing. They work in a number of settings, including hospitals, private practices, educational institutions and community centres.

Clinical psychology

Clinical psychologists specialise in mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, psychosis and/or PTSD. They use evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic approaches to help clients work through complex mental health challenges, and most often work in private practices and healthcare facilities.

Forensic psychology

Forensic psychology blends the world of psychology with the legal and criminal justice system. Professionals in this area often work with legal professionals to assess criminal behaviour, assist investigations, provide expert testimony and evaluate individuals’ mental states during trials.

Forensic psychologists can also work in correctional facilities, providing therapy to the incarcerated or assisting with rehabilitation courses.

Organisational psychology

Organisational psychologists work in the corporate world to help improve employee satisfaction, boost productivity and promote overall workplace wellbeing. They often collaborate with HR departments to create training courses, advise on hiring practices and foster healthy workplace cultures. This pathway works at the intersection of psychology and business strategy, so can be a great option for anyone interested in both.

Clinical neuropsychology

Clinical neuropsychologists specialise in the relationship between brain function and behaviour. They’ll often work with patients who are dealing with brain injuries, neurological diseases, or developmental disorders by conducting assessments, developing treatment plans and collaborating with other healthcare providers to support recovery. Neuropsychologists typically work in hospitals, research institutions and rehabilitation centres.

Apply your skills to human-centred professions

A psychology degree opens the door to a number of industry-based careers, but the professional possibilities go well beyond that sphere. Many graduates use their psychology training to enhance their performance – and advance their trajectory – in other roles, particularly those that hinge on human interaction.

Here are a few “outside the square” answers to the question of what you can do with a psychology degree.

Teaching

Psychology is a powerful tool for educators. Teachers with a background in psychology have a greater ability to understand how students learn, think and behave – allowing them to create more effective teaching strategies and foster positive learning environments. This knowledge is particularly useful when working with students who have diverse learning needs or face emotional challenges.

Human resources

Human resources (HR) professionals constantly have to navigate complex interpersonal relationships and understand human behaviour to manage recruitment, conflict resolution, employee satisfaction, and organisational culture. Psychology graduates often excel in roles like HR because they understand how to influence behaviour positively and create a supportive work environment.

Advertising / Marketing

A thorough understanding of human behaviour and how to influence decision-making is pivotal in consumer-driven industries like advertising and marketing. Psychology plays a key role in this field, helping marketers craft compelling messages that resonate with their target audience – and connect with potential clients. 

Associate Professor McBain highlights this connection: "Our psychology degree has direct applications to advertising providing valuable insights in shaping effective marketing strategies. Leveraging psychological principles, marketers can better understand consumer behaviour, craft compelling messages and enhance user experiences. 

“Whether it's segmenting the market, building brand loyalty, or improving communication, the skills gained through a psychology degree are crucial in creating marketing campaigns that truly resonate with target audiences and drive meaningful engagement."

Research

Psychology graduates may also choose to apply their critical analysis skills and pursue research roles in psychology. In these roles, you can ask difficult questions and think critically about an area of psychology that interests you.

JCU Online's Graduate Diploma of Psychology offers opportunities to expand your research skills and decide if this career path is for you.  

Consulting

Psychology graduates can find themselves in consulting roles where they apply their understanding of human behaviour, analysis and communication skills to solve problems in various – often high-paying – industries. Environmental psychology is one example, where consultants work with architects, urban planners, or designers to create environments that promote wellbeing, productivity and sustainability. 

Psychology’s emphasis on understanding human behaviour makes it a valuable tool for consultants across fields, from healthcare to business and beyond. As Associate Professor McBain says, “Think outside the square,” as psychology's applications extend far beyond traditional career paths.

Why choose JCU Online’s Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging)?

Regardless of which career trajectory you wish to advance with a psychology degree, the institution you choose to obtain it from is important. 

So why choose JCU Online?

Designed for the future

JCU Online’s Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) is designed for students who want to think – and work – beyond the field’s traditional boundaries.

"We intentionally aligned the curriculum with the Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting psychology's vital role in addressing both global and local challenges,” Associate Professor McBain explains.

“Today's students are seeking a degree that not only provides a rewarding career pathway but also reflects their values and contributes meaningfully to these critical issues. In a sense, we developed a degree that would place our graduates in a powerful position to influence change."

This distinctive focus prepares graduates to tackle not only today’s pressing challenges but also emerging global issues, ranging from mental health crises to urgent environmental concerns. The course’s unique subjects, such as individual differences in personality, human development across the lifespan and the psychology of health, well-being, and resilience, further set it apart. 

Pragmatic and applied

Additionally, the course has a strong emphasis on applied assessments, moving beyond traditional essay-style assignments to ensure that students gain practical, real-world skills.

“Rarely as a practitioner are you asked to write an essay,” Associate Professor McBain notes. “But you may be asked to design infographics, present complex information to diverse audiences, write white papers or briefing documents that directly respond to real-world events and needs. 

“Our assessments are intentionally contemporary, equipping students with the practical skills required to address the dynamic challenges of the complex, interconnected world in which we live.” 

World-leading university

JCU is ranked in the top 2 per cent of universities worldwide, and our Psychology faculty is backed by 50 years of experience in teaching and research in psychology. 

As a graduate of JCU Online's Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging), you'll be empowered to succeed in a complex world and develop better client service and community outcomes.

Build your knowledge and skills for the widening field of psychology

If you’re intrigued by the possibilities of a psychology degree, the next question to ask yourself is: what’s the best way to get there? Whether you want to become a psychologist or apply psychology to your current role, JCU Online has a course for you.

With flexible learning options and an industry-leading curriculum designed by professionals who’ve been in the field, students will diversify their knowledge of current theories of psychology and fast-track their careers – whatever their trajectory.

If you wish to start a career in psychology, our 100% online Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) will equip you with skills and knowledge to understand modern psychology and help others.

Looking to apply your skills in a human-centred field, such as human resources or teaching? You might also consider the 100% online Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging), where you can gain skills to complement your current role.

Unsure of your goals or want a shorter qualification? Our Graduate Certificate of Psychology is a great introduction to the field of psychology to enhance your career. On completion, you may also decide to study an additional six subjects to gain your graduate diploma. 

Still not sure? Speak with an Enrolment Advisor today.